There are so many reasons why boilers are an ideal home heating system. They’re long-lasting and very effective, providing more even heat than most systems. And one of the best things is that they don’t generally need repairs as often as furnaces or other heaters.
But even the almighty boiler occasionally experiences a problem. The important thing is to recognize that a problem is happening and get repairs promptly before a small issue becomes a big one. How do you know when your boiler is having a problem so you won’t neglect an urgent repair need? We’ve got some information for you.
Odd Odors
A fishy smell or odor of hot metal or burning plastic can indicate a very serious electrical problem. (Yes, even a gas boiler has electrical components.) To avoid having an electrical fire start in your home, you need boiler repair in Joliet, IL right away.
An eggy or sulfuric odor is an indicator of a gas leak. Shut off the gas to the boiler completely. Call for emergency repairs. Call your gas company if you can’t get another service provider to respond quickly enough. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, evacuate your home immediately.
New Noises
Another great thing about boilers is that they are a very quiet heating system. If you’re noticing noises, they’re not a good sign. A rattle may occur if something is wrong with the circulator pump, the component that distributes the hot water throughout the system. A rumble may occur from the buildup of sediment in the tank or from an overheating or pressure problem. Your technician can diagnose and repair the issue.
Leaks
Dripping from or puddles below your boiler need to be addressed promptly. There may be excess pressure, causing water to leak from the pressure release valve. There may be a loose or damaged connection. Or the tank itself may be corroding and losing structural integrity. Water damage can be a nightmare to deal with, so don’t delay in getting the leak looked at.
The other thing to keep in mind is that, when water leaks from your system, there won’t be as much left to circulate throughout the pipes, registers, or radiators. This can lead to ineffective or uneven heating, causing your thermostat to constantly call for more heat, which leads to overusing the boiler. Excess wear and tear and high utility bills will result.
No Heat to Some or All Areas
If your boiler is running but you’re not getting any heat, or some rooms are heating while others do not, you’ve probably got a circulator pump issue. This is the only component in your boiler system with a lot of fiddly moving parts, so it is at higher risk of malfunction. Repairing your pump promptly can help you avoid having to replace it.
The Importance of Maintenance
Because boilers are generally so reliable, it can be easy to forget that they should receive annual maintenance, just like any other heating or cooling system. Many potential repair needs can be avoided altogether if you are diligent about scheduling maintenance every year, and it will also improve your system’s effectiveness, efficiency, and longevity.
Whether you have a quick question, want to schedule maintenance, or need to have your boiler repaired, we’ll always be happy to hear from you.
Call J&A today, Sleep-tight tonight!